The Organizer

Dear Devorah,

It got cold faster than we could blink. I feel like my house is flying. Every room is exploding with a mix of bathing suits, zip-ups, jackets, and everything in between. I can’t find anything. I don’t know what to pack away, what to leave out, or how to even start. Please help!

–  Stuck Between Seasons

Dear Stuck,

This is that confusing time of year – when the weather, the laundry, and your entire mental state feel out of sync. One day the kids are running through sprinklers, the next you’re digging through beach towels looking for tights.

Welcome to the in-between season: that awkward stretch where you freeze at drop-off and overheat by lunch. Somehow, every surface ends up buried in layers, laundry, and last season’s hand-me-downs.

Let’s take a breath, zip up something cozy, and walk through a simple plan to bring some calm to the chaos.

Step One: Declutter First

Before you start packing away summer or pulling out winter coats, take a few minutes to edit what’s already out. Think of this as a clothing cleanse. 

As you go through each piece, ask yourself:

● Is it stained?

● Is it too small?

● Will anyone in this house actually wear it again?

No need to hang onto pilled sweatshirts or stained camp T-shirts “just in case.” If it won’t be worn again, let it go now – you’ll thank yourself later.

And don’t overthink it. You don’t need to agonize over every sock like it’s a sentimental heirloom. Quick, confident decisions are better than no decisions at all. If you’re unsure, toss it in a “decide later” bag so you can keep moving without getting stuck. 

Come spring, you’ll be so glad you didn’t pack away a pile of maybes.

Step Two: Sort by Season

Once you’ve edited down what you’re keeping, it’s time to organize what’s staying out and what’s getting packed away.

Instead of stressing about summer vs. winter, break it down into three simple categories: what’s done, what’s staying, and what’s coming in.

1. Absolutely Done With

If it screams summer, it’s time to say goodbye. Bathing suits, flip-flops, linen dresses, camp gear – pack it up and make room for what’s next.

2. Still in Use

Some items bridge the gap between seasons. Zip-ups, short sleeve polos, light sweatshirts – these are your layering MVPs. Keep them front and center for those “winter in the morning, summer by lunch” days.

3. Time to Rotate In

Start pulling out fall and winter basics – long sleeves, school uniforms, sweaters, light coats. Check what fits, what’s missing, and what’s good to go. You don’t need snow gear just yet, but keep coats, boots, and gloves easy to grab so you’re not scrambling when the temperature drops.

Pro tip: Don’t just toss hand-me-downs into a bin and hope for the best. Take a few seconds to group by gender and size –  “Girls 6-7” or “Boys 10.”   It might feel unnecessary in the moment, but when someone shoots up two inches overnight, you’ll be glad you’re not digging through a black hole of random outfits.

Step Three: Contain It Thoughtfully

Now that you’ve decided what’s staying out and what’s getting packed away, it’s time to store things in a way that actually works for your space.

The key? Let the location guide the storage method. What works in a closet isn’t going to cut it in an attic, and under the bed has its own rules entirely.

● Top closet shelf?

Blanket bags or neatly folded piles work great up here. It’s out of reach, out of sight, and ideal for seasonal extras you won’t need until spring.

● Attic or garage?

Choose bins with secure lids. They don’t have to be fancy, but they do need to keep out dust, moisture, and whatever else might be lurking. Stackable is a bonus.

● Under-bed storage?

Love it – especially for bulky items like boots or off-season shoes. Just be sure to measure the space before buying bins. Modern beds tend to sit lower than they used to, and not every container will fit underneath. 

● Using high risers?

This space is visible – so make it look intentional. Use solid, non-transparent bins that hide the mess. My favorite? IKEA’s XL lidded white boxes. They’re simple, stackable, and easy on the eyes.

The goal here isn’t perfection – it’s practical. Store things in a way that’s functional, clean, and easy to manage when the seasons shift again.

Step Four: Label Like You Mean It

Let’s be honest: if you don’t label it, you’re going to forget what’s inside. Not maybe. You will.

So here’s the golden rule: everything gets a label.

It doesn’t have to be pretty. No one’s judging.Grab a Sharpie, some masking tape, a sticky note – whatever works. Just make it clear.

Include three key details:

● Gender

● Size range

● Season

“Girls 8–10 Winter” is way more helpful than “Kids’ Clothes.”

The more specific your label, the less brainpower you’ll need later. And if you’re saving for multiple kids? This step is a total game-changer.

Your future self will thank you for not turning every seasonal swap into a guessing game.

Step Five: Do It in Batches (No One Said One Day)

You don’t have to do the whole house in one day.

You don’t even have to do a whole closet in one day.

Pick one child. One drawer. One moment when the house is quiet and you have twenty minutes –  and start there.

The seasonal swap doesn’t have to be a massive, all-or-nothing event. You can chip away at it slowly. Start with bathing suits and beach towels. Then do pajamas. Then long sleeves. One category at a time still counts – and adds up faster than you think.

If you do feel like going full superhero and clearing out a whole closet in one go, amazing. But also know: If your kids are leaving the house dressed for the weather? You’re already winning.

You don’t need to be ahead of the game. You just need a system that works for you – and permission to do it your way.

Final Thoughts

The seasonal switch doesn’t have to feel like a disaster. You’re not behind. You’re just in the thick of it – and that’s normal.

Start small. Declutter what no one’s wearing. Sort what still works. Store the rest in a way that fits your home. Label clearly. Make future-you proud. And don’t stress if it’s not done in one go.

Because at the end of the day?

If your kids aren’t wearing sleeveless dresses in 40-degree weather or winter coats in 75-degree sun, you’re doing just fine.

You got this. 

 

Happy Organizing,

Devorah